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stainable and renewable energy mix. Such a pro- (i.e. shale gas). The second is gas’ environmen-
cess necessarily involves many stakeholders and is tal compatibility, especially considering its advan-
already taking place, in part spontaneously, led by tages over other fossil sources in terms of emis-
economic convenience and technological progress sions and programmability. Moreover, natural gas
and in part driven by political and regulatory deci- remains the resource that best combines with in-
sions. A process of this size can only be gradual termittent renewable sources to ensure continuity
to match growing energy demand while reducing of electricity production. It also represents a viable
the use of conventional sources that still satisfy alternative to fossil fuels in several sectors such
more than 80% of the world’s primary energy con- as marine transportation due to its cost effective-
sumption. Furthermore, gradualness is needed to ness and compliance with international emission
gain the necessary time to build the infrastructures regulations.
for renewable energy’s production and distribution.
The energy transition is a process, and like every In this scenario, liquefied natural gas (LNG) repre-
process, it encompasses phases. At present, na- sents a global commodity driven by steady growth
tural gas plays a fundamental role in bridging fuel in demand also due to strong imports by Europe,
toward a low carbon economy. Most energy sce- China and other Asian countries. In 2019 signs of
narios, even the greener, forecast a gas market in acceleration in investment decisions were visible,
expansion for at least 15-20 years, replacing coal with many initiatives being approved. This trend is
in power generation. expected to continue over the following years, al-
though with a lower intensity than in 2019. Such
Two main elements explain this trend. The first is important LNG investment flow will also reshape
the competitiveness of gas resources, both from energy routes, with new countries playing signifi-
conventional reserves and from unconventional cant roles in energy geographies.

Impiantistica Italiana - Marzo-Aprile 2020 17